*
banner

Results: 2011 US Open Championship

Fountain City take US Open crown and claim invite to Brass in Concert for 2012.

US Open
 

Fountain City Brass, directed by Joseph Parisi claimed their fourth US Open title in the last five years at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois on Saturday.

High class

With a high class programme that mixed musical styles and genres with eye catching choreography and stunning solo contributions, they claimed the $1,000 first prize as well as gaining an invitation to compete at the 2012 Brass in Concert Championships.

The band’s remarkable euphonium soloist Lee Harrelson claimed the ‘Best Brass Soloist’ Award for his exemplary performance of his own take on Philip Wilby’s, ‘Flight & Zeibebikos’.

Modest victor

A typically modest, but undeniably delighted D, Joseph Parisi told 4BR: "It’s all about making music at the highest artistic level, not necessarily about winning. The fact that it turned out this way is testament to the work ethic this band is accustomed to."

Lee Harrelson added: "It’s just a privilege, an indescribable honour."

It’s all about making music at the highest artistic level, not necessarily about winning. The fact that it turned out this way is testament to the work ethic this band is accustomed toJoseph Parisi

Shock

Fountain’s scorching programme set gave them a commanding five point winning margin over resurgent Dublin Silver, who produced something of a shock in beating reigning champion, Brass Band of Central Florida into second place.

Dublin’s thematic programme of ‘A Hero’s Tale’, certainly impressed judges Dr Dale Lonois and Dr Jay Kennedy, with its cleverly realised mix of repertoire.

That saw them include Jan Van der Root’s ‘Mercury’ to Philip Sparke’s ‘Battle of Rastarkaiv’, which brought their programme to a shuddering close.

Latin thriller

It proved to be just enough to repel the challenge of reigning champion Brass Band of Central Florida, who wowed the audience with their thrilling high powered Latin inspired approach.

Despite the outstanding contributions of prize winning soprano player Dee McAfee and the stratospheric cornet playing MD Chad Shoopman, they could not turn around an eight point entertainment deficit over their Dublin rivals.

Fourth place was claimed by a solid performance form Eastern Iowa, whilst Motor City was fifth and Prairie Brass sixth.

Buskers Award

The ever popular Buskers Award, which sees the winners keep the proceeds of the money collected in an old top hat passed around the appreciative audience, saw the Prairie Dogs of Priaire Brass take the $293 collection for their sparkling renditions of Paul Simon’s ‘Late in the Evening’ and Chick Corea’s ‘Spain’.

Full retrospective

A full retrospective by Michael Boo can be read at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2011/1272a.asp

Result:
Adjudicators: Dr Dale Lonis & Dr Jay Kennedy
Performance/Entertainment = Total

1. Fountain City (Joseph Parisi) 195/43=238
2. Dublin Silver (Tim Jameson) 187/46=233
3. Central Florida (Chad Shoopman) 190/38=228
4. Eastern Iowa (Kate Wohlman) 177/34=211
5. Motor City (Craig Strain) 178/31=209
6. Prairie (Dallas Niermeyer) 172/30=202

Most Entertaining: Dublin Silver
Best Performance of a March: Dublin Silver
Best Featured Brass Soloist: Lee Harrelson (Fountain City)
Best New Arrangement/Composition: Dallas Niermeyer (Three Gershwin Preludes)
Best Cornet: Dee McAfee (Central Florida)
Most Outstanding Percussion: Fountain City
Buskers Award: Prairie Brass Band

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd